EDUCATION

Knowledge is power. Educate people about how they can help to save water at your building or facility. You may be surprised at how willing people are to chip in, once they know what to do!

SFWMD Speakers - are ready and eager to present more information to your group/community, and answer questions. To schedule a speaker, contact your Service Center, or Niki Spencer at nspencer@sfwmd.gov.

Water Wisely: Water Conservation Starts in Your Backyard - Presentation for homeowners/community groups [PPT]; or in Print-friendly [PDF]

• Understand your system: Know where your faucets, time clocks, solenoids, booster pumps, sprinklers, bubblers, valves, pipes, etc. are located.
• Make a checklist of system elements and check each one regularly for leaks! Finding and repairing leaks can lead to big savings, especially in irrigation systems!
• Use turf only where actually necessary. Avoid turf except in picnic or active play areas.
• Choose the right plants. Native plants appropriate for your region are best. These save water, because they are adapted to survive on the natural rainfall of the area. Besides saving water, they also help to avoid the spread of invasive alien plant species which can destroy native ecosystems. And they contribute to the true Florida sense of place.
• Do not water landscape every day; only water when needed. If water restrictions are in effect, adapt your watering schedule accordingly.
• Avoid over-watering! Use soil moisture over-rides and rain-shutoffs on all automated systems. Reset controllers at least once per month to account for changing evapotranspiration.
• Zone your plants. This means that plants with similar water needs should be grouped together. This avoids wasting water, over-watering some plants, and under-watering others.
• Never water during the heat of the day. The best time to water is just around sunrise. Evenings are also acceptable. Once the sun comes up, the evapotranspiration rate soars, and much of your water is wasted.
• Mulch, compost, or other organic material will help soils hold moisture, keep the ground from overheating, and discourage weeds. Loosening the soil while you add the organic matter will also help keep your lawn healthier.
• Root feeder or water aerator probes around trees and bushes will help to direct water where it is needed. You can also build a watering basin in the soil around the base of your plants to help the water soak in deeply.
• Having your soil tested also helps you to learn what type of watering is needed.

WaterWise: South Florida Landscapes - a comprehensive plant guide with landscaping tips and lists of Florida-friendly plants.

Best Practices (BMPs) for So. Fl. Homeowners & Landscape Pros (web site outlining a Broward Co. based program with tips for homeowners and landscape professionals)

Florida Power & Light - Right Tree, Right Place.

• Don't clean sidewalks and driveways with water. A hose can use 25 gallons in just 5 minutes. Remember: A broom is best.
• Check for leaks! Note the number of outdoor faucets on the outsides of buildings. Make a list and check every one regularly.
• Cover pools when not in use. An average sized pool loses about 1,000 gallons per day. A pool cover can cut these losses by 90%.

PLUMBING MEASURES FOR EACH UNIT

• Replace toilets with Ultra Low Flush Models, or retrofit with low flow flappers. Retrofit faucets with aerators, or consider alternative faucet types such as self-closing or automatic sensor controlled faucets. Many county and city water utilities offer rebates.
• Replace showerheads with low flow models.
• Check for leaks! Do dye tablet or food coloring tests in toilets to check for hidden leaks. Check for dripping faucets indoors and out.

• Efficient washing machines can save up to 20 gallons per load. These also save on energy. If you are replacing laundry facilities, don't even consider anything but the new horizontal axis models. These not only save up to 40% of water used, but deliver even more substantial energy savings -- up to 65%!
• Water boilers also require blow-down, or bleed-off, just like air conditioners. Monitor total dissolved solids, and blow down only when necessary!
• Avoid excessive filter or softener back flush. Back flush only when needed.